Homestead Exemption: State-by-State Guide

Homestead exemptions can save homeowners hundreds to thousands of dollars annually on property taxes, yet millions of eligible homeowners never claim them. If you live in your home as your primary residence, you likely qualify for significant tax savings.

This comprehensive guide explains what homestead exemptions are, how they work, eligibility requirements, and specific details for all 50 states so you can maximize your savings.

What Is a Homestead Exemption?

The Basics

A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, lowering your annual property tax bill. The exemption shields a portion of your home's value from taxation.

How it works:

Without exemption:

Home value: $300,000
Tax rate: 1.5%
Annual tax: $4,500

With $50,000 exemption:

Taxable value: $250,000
Tax rate: 1.5%
Annual tax: $3,750
Annual savings: $750

Types of Homestead Exemptions

General homestead exemption: Available to all homeowners using property as primary residence

Senior citizen exemption: Additional exemptions for homeowners over 65

Disability exemption: For homeowners with permanent disabilities

Veteran exemption: For qualifying veterans, often with additional benefits for disabled veterans

Surviving spouse exemption: For widows/widowers of qualified individuals

Low-income exemption: Income-based exemptions in some states

Universal Eligibility Requirements

While specifics vary by state, common requirements include:

Primary Residence Requirement

You must:

Own the property
Occupy it as your principal residence
Use it as your permanent home (not vacation or rental property)
Live there as of January 1 of the tax year (in most states)

Ownership Documentation

Typically need:

Deed showing ownership
Proof of residency (driver's license, voter registration)
Social Security numbers for all owners
Marriage certificate (if applicable for spousal exemptions)

Application Timing

Most states require:

One-time application (exemption continues until you move)
Application by specific deadline (often March-June)
Reapplication if you move or ownership changes

State-by-State Breakdown

Alabama

General exemption: Varies by county; some offer exemptions on state portion of taxes Senior exemption: Over 65 with income under $12,000 - exemption from state property tax Disabled veteran: 100% disabled veterans - full exemption Application: County tax assessor by December 31 Typical savings: $100-400 annually

Alaska

General exemption: First $150,000 of assessed value for seniors/disabled Senior exemption: 65+, must have owned/lived in property 10+ years Veteran exemption: Disabled veterans up to $150,000 Application: Assessor's office by March 1 Typical savings: $1,500-3,000 annually

Arizona

General exemption: None statewide Senior exemption: Limited freeze programs in some counties Disabled widow/widower: Property tax exemption if income under $31,683 Veteran exemption: Disabled veterans up to $4,289 assessed value Application: County assessor Typical savings: Varies widely

Arkansas

General exemption: None Senior/disabled exemption: Tax freeze for 65+ or disabled homeowners Veteran exemption: Disabled veterans - partial to full exemption based on disability rating Application: County assessor Typical savings: $200-800 annually

California

General exemption: $7,000 reduction in assessed value Senior exemption: None beyond general (but see Proposition 19 portability) Disabled veteran: Up to $196,262 exemption for 100% disabled Application: County assessor by February 15 Typical savings: $70-150 annually (due to Prop 13 limitations) Note: Small exemption but California has strict Proposition 13 caps on increases

Colorado

General exemption: 50% of first $200,000 of actual value for seniors Senior exemption: 65+ with 10 years ownership - 50% of first $200,000 Disabled veteran: $110,000 exemption for 100% disabled Application: County assessor by July 15 Typical savings: $1,000-2,500 annually for seniors

Connecticut

General exemption: None statewide (towns may offer) Senior/disabled exemption: Local option, varies by municipality Veteran exemption: $1,500-3,000 depending on service period Application: Local assessor by October 1 Typical savings: $50-500 annually

Delaware

General exemption: None Senior exemption: School tax credit up to $500 for 65+ Veteran exemption: Disabled veterans - $10,000+ exemption Application: County assessment office Typical savings: $400-800 annually

Florida

General exemption: $50,000 (only first $25,000 applies to all taxes) Senior exemption: Additional exemption for 65+ with income under $32,888 Save Our Homes: 3% annual cap on assessment increases Disabled veteran: Up to full exemption for combat-disabled Application: County property appraiser by March 1 Typical savings: $500-1,500 annually Note: One of the best homestead programs in the nation

Georgia

General exemption: $2,000 off assessed value (varies by county) Senior exemption: Age 65+ - varies widely by county, some offer significant exemptions Disabled veteran: Significant exemptions for qualifying veterans Application: County tax commissioner Typical savings: $200-1,000+ annually

Hawaii

General exemption: Homeowner exemption reduces property value by $100,000 (owner-occupied) Senior exemption: None beyond general Disabled veteran: None specific Application: County real property assessment office Typical savings: $500-1,200 annually

Idaho

General exemption: 50% of value up to $125,000 (max reduction $125,000) Senior exemption: Additional exemptions available Circuit breaker: Reduces property tax for low/moderate income homeowners Application: County assessor by April 15 Typical savings: $800-2,000 annually

Illinois

General exemption: $6,000 reduction in equalized assessed value Senior exemption: $5,000 additional reduction for 65+ Senior freeze: Assessment freeze for 65+ with income under $65,000 Disabled veteran: Various exemptions based on disability percentage Application: County assessor Typical savings: $200-1,500 annually Note: Cook County has additional exemptions

Indiana

General exemption: None Homestead standard deduction: Lesser of 60% of assessed value or $48,000 Senior exemption: Over 65 - additional deductions available Application: County auditor Typical savings: $400-1,200 annually

Iowa

General exemption: None Homestead credit: Up to $4,850 reduction in actual value Military veteran exemption: $1,852 for honorably discharged veterans Disabled veteran: Additional exemptions Application: County assessor by July 1 Typical savings: $150-500 annually

Kansas

General exemption: None Senior/disabled exemption: Refund program for low-income seniors/disabled Disabled veteran: Homestead up to $84,960 for 50%+ disabled Application: County clerk Typical savings: Varies by income

Kentucky

General exemption: Up to $39,300 exemption Senior/disabled exemption: Additional exemptions available Disabled veteran: Full exemption for 100% disabled Application: County property valuation administrator Typical savings: $400-900 annually

Louisiana

General exemption: $75,000 of assessed value (up to $7,500 reduction) Senior exemption: Additional exemption for 65+ (income limits apply) Disabled veteran: Special assessment based on disability Application: Parish assessor Typical savings: $750-1,500 annually Note: One of the more generous programs

Maine

General exemption: $25,000 of just value Senior exemption: Various programs at local level Veteran exemption: $6,000 for veterans over 62 or disabled Application: Local assessor by April 1 Typical savings: $300-700 annually

Maryland

General exemption: None statewide Homestead credit: Limits annual assessment increases to 10% Senior exemption: Various local programs Veteran exemption: Disabled veterans - partial to full exemption Application: State Department of Assessments Typical savings: Varies widely

Massachusetts

General exemption: None statewide Senior exemption: Local option, varies by city/town Veteran exemption: $400 for veterans, $750 for disabled veterans Application: Local board of assessors Typical savings: $100-600 annually

Michigan

General exemption: Principal residence exemption from local school operating taxes Senior exemption: Property tax credit (state income tax credit) Veteran exemption: Disabled veterans - partial to full exemption Application: Local assessor Typical savings: $1,000-2,500 annually Note: Significant savings from school tax exemption

Minnesota

General exemption: None Homestead classification: Preferential tax rate (not exemption) Senior citizen property tax deferral: Available for 65+ with income limits Disabled veteran: Market value exclusion up to $300,000 Application: County assessor Typical savings: Varies by classification benefit

Mississippi

General exemption: Varies by municipality Senior exemption: Full exemption on first $75,000 of value for 65+ Disabled exemption: Similar to senior exemption Disabled veteran: 100% exemption for 100% disabled Application: County tax assessor Typical savings: $750-1,800 annually (seniors)

Missouri

General exemption: None Senior exemption: Property tax credit program (state tax credit) Disabled veteran: Up to $15,000 exemption from assessed value Application: County assessor Typical savings: $150-400 annually

Montana

General exemption: None statewide Senior/disabled exemption: Tax reduction based on income Disabled veteran: Up to $200,000 exemption for 100% disabled Application: Department of Revenue Typical savings: Varies by income

Nebraska

General exemption: None Homestead exemption: Up to $40,000 actual value for specific groups (seniors 65+, disabled, veterans) Application: County assessor by June 30 Typical savings: $400-1,000 annually for qualifying groups

Nevada

General exemption: None Property tax cap: Annual increase capped at 3% (owner-occupied) Senior exemption: None beyond cap Disabled veteran: Up to $28,000 reduction for disabled veterans Application: County assessor Typical savings: Benefit from 3% cap

New Hampshire

General exemption: None statewide (towns may offer) Senior exemption: Local option, varies by town Veteran exemption: $50-750 depending on service/disability Disabled veteran: All-veterans tax credit available Application: Local assessor by April 15 Typical savings: $100-500 annually

New Jersey

General exemption: None Senior/disabled exemption: $250 deduction for 65+ or disabled Disabled veteran: $250 deduction, or full exemption for 100% disabled Application: Municipal tax assessor Typical savings: $200-600 annually (more for disabled veterans) Note: Given NJ's high taxes, even small exemptions have value

New Mexico

General exemption: None Senior exemption: $4,000 off value for 65+ (income limits) Disabled veteran: $4,000 exemption, more for higher disability ratings Application: County assessor Typical savings: $40-120 annually

New York

General exemption: STAR exemption reduces school taxes Senior exemption: Enhanced STAR for 65+ (income under $98,700) Disabled veteran exemption: 10-50% based on disability rating Application: Local assessor or Tax Department Typical savings: $1,000-3,000 annually (STAR) Note: STAR is one of the most valuable exemptions nationally

North Carolina

General exemption: None Senior/disabled exemption: $25,000 or 50% of value (whichever is greater) for 65+ or disabled with income under $35,550 Disabled veteran: Exclusion from property tax for qualifying veterans Application: County assessor by June 1 Typical savings: $500-2,000 annually for qualifying seniors

North Dakota

General exemption: None Homestead credit: Reduces taxable valuation (amount varies) Senior/disabled exemption: Additional credit for 65+ or disabled Application: County auditor by February 1 Typical savings: $300-700 annually

Ohio

General exemption: None Homestead exemption: $26,200 reduction for 65+, disabled, or surviving spouses Senior exemption: Same as homestead Application: County auditor by December 31 Typical savings: $400-900 annually

Oklahoma

General exemption: $1,000 off assessed value Senior exemption: Additional exemptions for 65+ (income limits) Disabled veteran: Additional exemption based on disability Application: County assessor Typical savings: $100-500 annually

Oregon

General exemption: None statewide Senior/disabled deferral: Tax deferral program (not exemption) Disabled veteran: Significant exemption for disabled veterans Application: County assessor Typical savings: Deferral (not reduction)

Pennsylvania

General exemption: None statewide (local option) Senior/disabled exemption: Varies widely by locality Veteran exemption: None statewide Application: Local tax office Typical savings: $100-800 annually where available

Rhode Island

General exemption: None Senior exemption: Local option, varies by municipality Disabled veteran: $1,000-2,000 depending on disability rating Application: Local assessor Typical savings: $100-400 annually

South Carolina

General exemption: None Senior exemption: First $50,000 exempt for 65+ (full exemption on all school operating tax) Disabled exemption: Similar to senior Application: County auditor by July 15 Typical savings: $800-2,000 annually (seniors) Note: One of the best senior exemption programs

South Dakota

General exemption: None Senior/disabled: Assessment freeze and limited exemptions Disabled veteran: Property tax reduction based on disability Application: County director of equalization Typical savings: Varies

Tennessee

General exemption: None Senior exemption: $30,000 off assessed value for 65+ Disabled exemption: $22,500 off assessed value Disabled veteran: Various exemptions based on disability Application: County trustee Typical savings: $400-1,000 annually (seniors)

Texas

General exemption: $100,000 off value for school taxes Over-65 exemption: Additional $10,000 school exemption + assessment ceiling Disabled exemption: $10,000 additional Disabled veteran: Up to $12,000, more for higher disability ratings Application: County appraisal district by April 30 Typical savings: $1,000-3,000 annually Note: Very generous program, especially for seniors

Utah

General exemption: 45% of fair market value up to $409,722 (2026) Senior exemption: Circuit breaker for low-income seniors Disabled veteran: Additional exemption based on VA disability rating Application: County auditor Typical savings: $800-2,000 annually

Vermont

General exemption: None statewide Senior/disabled exemption: Local option and state property tax credit Veteran exemption: Varies by town Application: Town listers Typical savings: Varies widely

Virginia

General exemption: None statewide (local option) Senior/disabled exemption: Local programs available in most jurisdictions Disabled veteran: 100% exemption for 100% service-connected disabled Application: Local commissioner of revenue Typical savings: $500-1,500 annually where available

Washington

General exemption: None Senior/disabled exemption: Income-based exemption/deferral for 61+ or disabled Disabled veteran: 100% exemption for 100% disabled with limited income Application: County assessor by December 31 Typical savings: $500-2,000 annually for qualifying individuals

West Virginia

General exemption: $20,000 off assessed value Senior exemption: Homestead exemption for 65+ or disabled Disabled veteran: Property tax exemption for qualifying veterans Application: County assessor Typical savings: $200-600 annually

Wisconsin

General exemption: None School levy credit: Reduces school taxes (automatic) Lottery and gaming credit: Additional credit (automatic) Senior/disabled exemption: Property tax deferral program Application: Automatic for credits; apply for deferral Typical savings: $500-1,200 annually from credits

Wyoming

General exemption: None Senior/disabled exemption: Partial exemption based on income Disabled veteran: Partial to full exemption based on disability Application: County assessor Typical savings: Varies by income

How to Apply for Homestead Exemption

Step-by-Step Process

1. Determine eligibility

Review your state's requirements above
Confirm you meet residency requirements
Gather required documentation

2. Obtain application

Download from county assessor/auditor website
Pick up in person at county office
Request by mail or phone

3. Gather required documents Typically need:

Copy of deed or title
Driver's license or state ID (showing property address)
Vehicle registration at property address
Voter registration
Social Security card or number
Birth certificate (for age verification if claiming senior exemption)
DD-214 (for veteran exemptions)
Disability documentation (if claiming disability exemption)

4. Complete application

Fill out completely and accurately
Sign and date
Make copies for your records

5. Submit by deadline

File in person, by mail, or online (if available)
Note the deadline (varies by state, often March-July)
Keep proof of submission

6. Confirm approval

Most applications are approved if complete
You'll receive confirmation or see exemption on next tax bill
If denied, appeal or correct any issues

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Application Errors

Missing the deadline: Most common mistake; exemption denied until next year

Incomplete application: Missing signatures or documentation delays processing

Wrong office: Some states use assessor, others auditor or tax collector

Not reapplying after moving: Exemption doesn't automatically transfer

Claiming exemption on non-primary residence: Fraud with serious penalties

Misconceptions

"It's automatic": In most states, you must apply; it's not automatic

"I already applied": Some states require periodic renewal

"My lender handles it": Exemptions are separate from mortgage escrow

"It's not worth the hassle": Even small exemptions save money every year

Maximizing Your Savings

Combining Exemptions

Many states allow combining multiple exemptions:

Example (Texas):

General homestead: $100,000 (school taxes)
Over-65 exemption: +$10,000
Disabled veteran (30%): +$5,000
Total exemption: $115,000

Example (Florida):

Standard homestead: $50,000
Additional senior exemption: varies
Save Our Homes cap: 3% annual increase limit
Multiple protections

Additional Programs

Don't overlook related programs:

Circuit breaker programs: Income-based property tax relief

Deferral programs: Delay payment until home sale (seniors)

Freeze programs: Lock assessment at current level

Veterans programs: Beyond homestead, additional veteran benefits

Low-income programs: Additional relief for qualifying households

Portability and Transfers

Moving Within State

Florida: Save Our Homes benefit is portable to new primary residence

California: Proposition 19 allows some portability for 55+ and disabled

Other states: Generally must reapply at new property

Selling Your Home

Homestead exemption ends when you sell
New owner must apply for their own exemption
Prorated taxes may apply for year of sale

Long-Term Value

Cumulative Savings

Small annual savings compound over time:

$500/year exemption over 30 years:

Total savings: $15,000
With 3% inflation: $24,000+ in future dollars

$1,500/year exemption over 30 years:

Total savings: $45,000
With 3% inflation: $72,000+ in future dollars

Assessment Protection

Many homestead programs include assessment caps:

Florida's Save Our Homes: 3% max annual increase

Nevada: 3% max annual increase

Maryland: 10% max annual increase

These caps can save tens of thousands over time in appreciating markets.

Final Thoughts

Homestead exemptions are one of the easiest ways to reduce your property tax burden. Whether you save $100 or $2,000 annually, filing a simple application is worth 30 minutes of your time.

Action steps:

Check your state's requirements using this guide
Gather your documentation today
Download and complete the application
File before the deadline
Verify it appears on your tax bill
Reap the savings year after year

Don't leave money on the table. If you own and occupy your home as your primary residence, you likely qualify for property tax savings. Apply today and enjoy the benefits for as long as you own your home.

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Homestead Exemption Guide

Key Takeaways